Pastor lived his faith by helping others

Thursday

Nov 1, 2012 at 10:52 AM

By DEBRA RYAN

By DEBRA RYAN

Fall River Spirit Correspondent

More than 30 years ago, our pastor and friend Jackson Morro married my husband Bill and me. Twenty-five years later, we renewed our vows in front of him, and in 2009 he blessed the marriage of our daughter and son-in-law, Rachael and Norman St. Pierre.

Morro, longtime pastor of Christ's Chapel in Fall River, went home to be with Jesus on Oct. 18 at the 66. It is the prize he strived for, having given so much of himself unselfishly throughout the years.

As a pastor, he was at family weddings, baby dedications and the funerals of many family members. He gave of his time generously, mentoring many people who were searching for greater purpose in their lives.

Years ago, when visiting the city's housing projects was considered a dangerous mission, Morro ministered to the youth. He enjoyed visiting nursing homes to deliver the Word of God and also picked up residents at assisted-living facilities so they could attend service.

Nothing pleased Morro more than when a person asked Jesus into their life.

He followed the Boston Red Sox closely and rooted for his college alma mater football team from Michigan. (Bill enjoyed teasing him whenever Notre Dame won.)

Christmas Eve will not be the same for our family without him there.

As we grow older, I have come to realize that the friendships I treasure most are those with people who have been in my life for many years. Even when due to life's changing circumstances, there are long periods of time that pass before we see each other. When we do get together, it is as if we had lunch the other day. Catching up is just a formality.

Morro believed knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior was the most important decision one could make. He taught others how to walk in discipleship, learning to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).

I have never met — nor do I ever expect to meet — anyone who knew and understood the bible as well as Pastor Jack did. He not only knew it, he lived it.

He held a bachelor's degree in history from Providence College, where he graduated first in his class, summa cum laude; a master's degree in constitutional and legal history from the University of Michigan. He also attended two years of theological studies at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada.

He taught at Stonehill College in Easton for 10 years, then served as assistant director of security for many years at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. After retiring, he ministered full time.

Pastor Morro founded Christ's Chapel in 1981. He lived his life according to Phillippians 2:1-7, putting others before himself, not looking out for his own interests. He will be deeply missed by his church family.

Calling hours for Pastor Morro will be 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Hebert-Hathaway Funeral Home, 945 S. Main St., Fall River. His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 2 at Christ's Chapel, 1249 Rodman St., Fall River. Following cremation, burial will be private.

Debra Ryan is a correspondent and family columnist for The Fall River Spirit. She can be reached at dryan@s-t.com.